Keeping your children safe during holiday travel

The holidays can be a busy and stressful time of year. As you’re traveling between holiday parties and family activities and taking care of that last minute shopping, keep in mind that the majority of the population is doing the same thing, and many of them are ignoring the rules of the road or distracted by thoughts of the next party they have to attend.

With this in mind, there are holiday safety tips you can practice to keep you and your children safe while in the car this holiday season.

However, if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is advisable to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney in the Bridgeport area to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate amount of compensation to cover medical expenses and any other losses suffered.

Watch for pedestrians and other drivers who may be distracted

Shopping center parking lots can be extremely hazardous during the holidays. Pay special attention to other drivers or pedestrians who seem distracted, as these people will most likely not see you. When backing out of a parking space, be extra careful, since this is when you are most at risk of either hitting another driver or being hit yourself.

Also, keep a close eye on your children when walking through parking lots, especially around larger vehicles, as your kids may be too small to easily be seen by the driver.

If you have teenagers who are driving, remind them to be extra cautious during the holidays. A combination of bad weather and distracted drivers can make for very dangerous conditions.

Stay focused while driving. Save the phone calls and text messages for when you arrive at your destination and your car is safely in park. Be sure to have some source of entertainment for your children riding in the back seat. Yelling and screaming from tired, hungry and generally irritable passengers can be very distracting.

Always remember to fasten seat belts and use car seats properly

Be sure every rider in your car is safely buckled in, no matter the length of the car ride. If your child is still in a car seat or booster seat, be sure that it is properly installed before traveling. Approximately 73 percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly, so check the manual once again to ensure your child will be secure in the car.

Remember that anything can happen

Remember to expect the unexpected when you’re traveling. When driving, don’t worry about making good time. Instead, be prepared to pull over at unexpected times to change a diaper, grab a bite to eat or just to give you and your passengers a good solid stretch.

With other drivers on the road, you may have to do some sudden braking. If you’re traveling with luggage, hot food dishes or large gifts, ensure that they are secured in the trunk or the rear section of the car to reduce the risk of injury in case you have to come to a sudden stop.

Between bad weather and distracted drivers, traveling during the holidays can be dangerous. Take safety precautions to protect you and your family.